Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is making a shock move for Southampton centre-forward Peter Crouch.

The Sun says Benitez will make a £6million raid for beanpole striker Crouch after Liverpool return from the Champions League final.

The Anfield boss feels his side have been bullied out of too many games in the Premiership this season, despite their Euro heroics.

And while Crouch, 24, is hardly a heavyweight, his 6ft 6in frame makes him a huge handful for defenders.

Saints will not stand in his way if the right offer comes in, with chairman Rupert Lowe already warning that wage cuts are in the offing now they are out of the top flight.

Crouch knows his stock has never been higher after his 17-goal haul this season and Southampton would find it hard to resist a reasonable offer.